AURORA, Ill., August 9, 2016 - Processing Technologies International
LLC (PTi), a leading global manufacturer of high-performance sheet extrusion
machinery, broke ground August 5th for a $10 million plant expansion at its
Aurora, Ill. headquarters. The expansion is in response to growing demand for
sheet extrusion equipment, according to PTi, which will discuss the new
manufacturing capabilities at the K 2016 exhibition (Hall 13/B91-10), which
runs Oct. 19-26 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The company will increase overall plant capacity by 50% by
adding 40,000 square feet of primary manufacturing and office space and up to
40 new jobs. "Our business has hit record levels the last several years and our
products are being well received throughout the packaging markets in North
America," said Dana Hanson, PTi president. "We are planning for a sustained
period of growth that will require expanded manufacturing resources." However, projected growth is not the only
reason for change. The modification of
PTi's current footprint brings with it an expanded Technology Development
Center with emphasis on the customer experience, offering a view of the
machinery and technology development from an expanded and improved vantage
point. The new space is expected to be
fully operational by November 2016.

The new space will feature a dedicated feed screw testing
and development center along with an expansion of the current "dryer-less"
twin-screw sheet extrusion demonstration center. The expansion will also
include crane runways for primary assembly, production offices, new inventory
and parts management space, and a multi-purpose employee space. PTi also expects to partner with OEMs and a
range of thermoforming machine suppliers who would house machinery at the
expanded facility.

PTi currently occupies 60,000 square feet of manufacturing
space and employs 80+ people. The expansion will take its operation to 100,000
square feet and over 120 employees. Most of the new hiring will be for
mechanics, electricians, and general production personnel.